Detoxifying houseplants not only look nice

Where does fresh air come from? Nature provides some of the best air purifiers you can find in simple houseplants, making it easy to achieve better air quality in your home by simply inviting some of nature's best purifiers inside.

When looking for plants for your home consider broad leaved varieties for every room. They help to reduce pollutants, airborne bacteria and even fungi. They also increase the humidity levels in your home, which may help combat allergies and respiratory conditions.

You can actually improve the health of your family by adding plants to your home. They filter stale air, remove toxins and pollutants, and consume the carbon dioxide that we exhale. All they require is a little light and water. They do all this and provide us with life sustaining oxygen.

As a basic guide, you should have one plant per 100 square feet of living space to optimize air quality. The faster growing the plant the more air it can filter. Be sure to keep them free of dust and place them where there is good air circulation.

Some plants that provide excellent benefits include the following:

· Spider Plants: Love indirect light and like to be watered frequently. When the soil is dry it's time for a drink.

· Philodendrons: These large leaf plants are best for removing formaldehyde from the air, and they look great too.

· Golden Pothos: Don't over water. When leaves drop off it is an indication of over watering.

· Chrysanthemums: These lovely flowers have been proven to be effective in the removal of benzene, which is a known carcinogen. Be sure to place them in direct sunlight and again do not over water.

There are many other types of houseplants that are also suitable to help improve the air quality of your home. A trip to your local nursery can be fun for the whole family, as everyone can pick out the perfect plant for his or her own space.

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